Portland, Oregon loves to celebrate music, art, technology, and cuisine amidst rugged Pacific Northwest beauty. With cheap flights to Portland, you can take advantage of this city's many upcoming festivities and cultural outlets. Several of Portland's biggest festivals are just around the corner, so pack your suitcase, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes for dancing and sightseeing, and be prepared to loosen your belt buckles a few notches for Portland is a foodie town.

 

Music and Computers

The East Coast had Woodstock, the West Coast has MusicFest NW, which runs September 3-8 this year, and will feature more than 150 up-and-coming bands and independent musicians playing all types of genres, including folk, rock and alternative. No need to worry about Pacific Northwest rain; the event takes place at 16 clubs throughout the city, making it a great way to experience Portland's different neighborhoods. Said to be the third largest indoor music festival in the United States, the event has already been dubbed by the media as a top authentic American experience. Previous big-name artists that have performed at MusicFestNW include The Black

Keys and The Decemberists. The festival begins in downtown Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square.

 

The Internet is already 20 years old, and in 2012, MusicFest's sibling "TechFest NW" was born in the technology capital that is Portland. The event piggybacked on MusicFest to offer three days dedicated to the digital age, with workshops and events focused on technology programming, web startups, and design. This year's Techfest will take place September 6-8 at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and computer geeks a chance to enjoy Portland's thriving music scene.

 

Feast Portland, Fight Hunger

 

Celebrate food and end childhood hunger. That is the dual mission behind Feast Portland, a four-day festival showcasing the culinary talents of Oregon and America. Presented by Bon Appétit magazine and held this year from September 19-22, the event is dedicated to driving a food revolution in America, with a greater emphasis on local sourcing of food and a commitment to ensuring all children have high-quality food to eat every day. In 2012, the event drew 9,000 attendees, 96 chefs, and raised $46,000. Proceeds go to Share Our Strength and Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. This year's events will feature chefs from around the United States, as well as chocolatiers, bakers, brew masters, vintners, and whiskey makers. Food Network star Chef Duff Goldman of "Ace of Cakes" and gastro pub chef April Bloomfield of New York City's The Spotted Pig (a favorite brunch spot of ours), will be at the festival. See the full schedule at http://www.feastportland.com.

Ten Days of Art

 

The Portland Institute for Contemporary Art hosts the annual Time-Based Art Festival in September, which attracts visual and performance artists from around the world. Held September 12-22, the festival includes installation art, animation, live performances and dance, workshops, and lectures held throughout the city. This year, Cabernet performer Meow Meow takes the stage with Pink Martini's Thomas Lauderdale and the Oregon Symphony  on September 14. Check it out for the TBA festival has something for every artistic taste and style.

For more information about traveling to Portland, visit www.travelportland.com.

 

Headed out to any of these festivals? Snap a photo and share them with us on the CheapOair Facebook page! 

 

Photo credit:  SoulRider.222